arbitrate

American  

[ahr-bi-treyt] / ˈɑr bɪˌtreɪt /

verb (used with object)

arbitrated, arbitrating

1. to decide as arbitrator or arbiter; determine.

2. to submit to arbitration; settle by arbitration.

   to arbitrate a dispute.

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verb (used without object)

arbitrated, arbitrating

1. to act as arbitrator or arbiter; decide between opposing or contending parties or sides.

2. to submit a matter to arbitration.

arbitrate British  

/ ˈɑːbɪˌtreɪt /

verb

1. to settle or decide (a dispute); achieve a settlement between parties

2. to submit to or settle by arbitration

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Usage

What does arbitrate mean? To arbitrate is to act as an arbitrator—an independent, impartial third party that works to settle a dispute between two opposing sides, often by making a decision that they both agree to. This process is called arbitration. Arbitrate can also mean to engage in arbitration, as in If we can’t come to an agreement, we may need to arbitrate. For a process to be considered arbitration, it must involve an arbitrator, which can be a single person or a team of people. The terms arbitrate and arbitration are especially used in the context of negotiations between businesses and labor unions. When the two sides can’t agree and negotiations are unproductive, they may agree or be ordered to arbitrate. An arbitration process in which the arbitrator’s decision must be accepted by both parties is sometimes called binding arbitration—meaning the arbitrator’s decision is final and legally binding. The word arbitrate can also be used in a more general way meaning "to determine or settle a dispute," similar to the word mediate. However, arbitrate often implies that the process is a formal one. Example: After weeks of negotiations stalled and resulted in an impasse, the two sides agreed to enter arbitration.

Other Word Forms

• arbitrable adjective
• arbitrative adjective
• arbitrator noun
• rearbitrate verb
• unarbitrated adjective
• unarbitrative adjective
• well-arbitrated adjective

Etymology

Origin of arbitrate

First recorded in 1580–90; from Latin arbitrātus “decided, judged,” past participle of arbitrārī “to decide, judge,” from arbit(e)r arbiter

Explanation

If your two best friends are fighting over the last piece of gum in the pack, you might arbitrate by telling them to split the last piece. Arbitrate is when a neutral third party helps end a conflict. Arbitrate derives from the Latin arbiter "judge." (An arbiter of taste is a good judge of taste.) When you arbitrate, you are doing what a judge does in a court of law. In the US, to avoid litigation, many choose non-binding arbitration—where a neutral third party suggests a settlement.

Example Sentences

The program also includes legal benefits, including the ability to arbitrate disputes abroad at independent tribunals.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

It offers legal benefits, including the ability to arbitrate disputes abroad at independent tribunals.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 11, 2025

It's hard to say, and I will leave it to more influential jungle heads, and the infinitely wise question setters on University Challenge, to arbitrate.

From BBC • Jan. 12, 2024

The new law will take effect when it’s published in the country’s official bulletin, at which time courts will no longer arbitrate what journalists can write.

From Washington Times • Nov. 29, 2023

Beloved had sat down with her and Redemption during their first big fight, when they were thirteen, to arbitrate.

From "Pet" by Akwaeke Emezi

Related Words

• adjudicate
• interpose
• intervene
• mediate
• straighten out